● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Microsoft enables Windows settings backup by default for Entra-joined organizations
Key points
- Windows settings backup is now default for Entra-joined systems.
- Applies to Windows 11 26H2 after September 29 release.
- Admins retain control to disable the policy.
- Restore behavior remains admin-controlled, not default.
Default Backup for Enterprise Systems
Microsoft announced that Windows settings backup and restore is now enabled by default for all Microsoft Entra-joined or Microsoft Entra hybrid-joined enterprise systems. This change applies to devices upgraded to Windows 11 26H2, which was released on September 29.
Purpose of the Feature
The Windows settings backup tool, previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, backs up and restores enterprise users' Windows settings. This functionality is crucial when a device is reset, replaced, upgraded, or reimaged, ensuring user configurations and Microsoft Store app lists are available for restoration.
Feature History and Availability
Microsoft initially unveiled this feature as an opt-in option at the Ignite conference in November 2024. It reached public preview in May 2025 and general availability in August 2025. The current default-on policy was announced in July and took effect with the release of Windows 11, version 26H2.
Conditions and Administrator Control
The new default applies only if administrators have not explicitly configured the policy, honoring any existing enable or disable settings. It also applies to devices in regions not regulated by the EU Digital Markets Act, not in sovereign or restricted cloud environments, and where the backup policy is unconfigured. While backup is now default, the restore behavior remains admin-controlled and is not enabled by default. IT administrators can disable the backup policy through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Microsoft has enabled Windows settings backup and restore by default for all Microsoft Entra-joined or hybrid-joined enterprise systems upgrading to Windows 11 26H2. This change ensures that user settings are backed up automatically, simplifying device recovery, replacement, or upgrades for organizations.